But don't just look at compound performance (ie, growth over, say, ten years) because a short period of high growth - or of dire performance - can skew the picture. Look for a table that gives year-on-year figures, so you can find out which provider has consistent performance. Check its volatility factor too - this is the extent to which its performance moves up and down. If you want something ultra-safe look for a company with a low volatility factor - though bear in mind you may well sacrifice the potential for high growth this way. If high growth potential is what you want, you are more likely to get it from a company with a higher volatility factor.

This is Money hopes at some time the near future to carry pensions tables and we will publicise this on the site when we do.